Tsuchi "Tish" Koto

Tsuchi "Tish" Koto April 22, 1922 ~ May 9, 2008 Tish Koto, 86, of Fruitland, went home to be with her Lord on May 9, 2008. Tish was born April 22, 1922 in a rural area of Salem, Ore. (now known as Keizer) to Saiji and Ume Saito. She was raised in the Lake Labish area (Salem) and the Russellville area (Portland), along with her four sisters and two brothers. In Sept. 1942, she and her family were evacuated from Portland and sent to Minidoka Relocation Center at Hunt, Idaho. After the war, Tish married Earnest Koto on June 12, 1947. They made their first home in Shoshone, Idaho where Ernie and his brother, Tom Koto, owned the Boston Café. This began Tish's lifetime of food preparation. In 1949 Tish was diagnosed with tuberculosis shortly after the birth of their son, Mike. She spent the next seven years in and out of the state TB hospital in Gooding, Idaho. This is where her faith in God began. In 1958 the Koto brothers moved to Twin Falls, Idaho and opened Koto's Café. For the next 19 years, Tish worked in the kitchen at the café. She retired in 1977 after Ernie passed away in July, 1976. She remained busy during retirement, continuing to prepare and serve meals for many in the Twin Falls area. While living in Twin Falls, Tish was a member of the First Assembly of God church. She actively participated in the church's senior group. Tish spent many hours sharing her faith, food and fellowship with her friends. In 1996, Tish moved to Fruitland , Idaho to live with her son and daughter-in-law. She was delighted to be able to closely participate in her granddaughter's life. She welcomed with open arms a new grandson when her granddaughter was married. She greatly enjoyed her grandson-in-law. Tish became actively involved at Christian Life Fellowship. She was also active in the Community United Methodist Church's women's group where she was an encouragement to many. Tish loved to serve those who were in need. She always seemed to be praying, preparing food, or gardening. She greatly enjoyed God's creation, especially the Oregon Coast. Tish was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother Hitoshi; three sisters, Ine, Martha, and Shirley; her husband, Ernie; and infant daughter, Anne. She is survived by her son, Mike (Mary Lou) Koto, Fruitland; granddaughter, Noel (Duane) Atwood, Boise; brothers Kay (Emi) Saito, San Mateo, Calif., Jeremy "Jim" (Ayako) Saito, San Jose, Calif.; sister, Ruth Johnston, Reno, Nev.; sister-in-law, Mats Koto, Twin Falls, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the family, friends and XL Hospice who have been so supportive during this time. A special thanks to XL Hospice nurses, Deanna, Pam, Dee, Florence and CNA, Melissa for their warm and loving care. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Christian Life Fellowship, Ontario, Ore. A memorial service in Twin Falls, Idaho to celebrate her life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2008 at the First Assembly of God Church.